The pigs, weighing an average of 45 kilos each, are to improve the breeding stock at the Vladivostok agricultural center, the largest such center in Primorsky Kray. The pigs arrived safely after a 13 hour journey.

ABC was chosen for the flight for its proven expertise in the carriage of live animals. Previous shipments safely delivered by the airline have included rare Akhal-Teke horses for breeding from Russia to China, 105 elite horses from Amsterdam to Moscow, 380 breeding cows from Melbourne to Kazan in Russia as well as top racehorses, walruses, dolphins and other animals.

Last year, following the project to transport cows from Melbourne, ABC was awarded full accreditation for livestock transport into and out of Australia and Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) stations at all Australian airports were notified of the airline’s compliance with requirements for the safe air transportation of livestock.